“Wee Jay” gives Dembele a warm reception – in French

‘Wee Jay’ went the extra mile when he met the £40m-rated striker and said “hello” to him in his native language ahead of last Saturday’s Scottish Cup victory over Inverness.

As Dembele, who has been a revelation since joining from Fulham in the summer, arrived at Celtic Park to find Jay ready and waiting at reception.

Jay greets him with the words: “Bonjour Monsieur Dembele.”

Wee Jay greeted the French striker as he arrived at Celtic Park

He tells his hero that he’ll score six goals against Inverness before Dembele gives him a high five and makes his way to the changing room.

Jay then gave the Frenchman a high five and told him he’ll score six goals in the match against the highlanders.

The meeting marked a busy few days for the youngster, with videos also capturing the moment he met Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and former manager, Neil Lennon.

Jay, who has Down’s Syndrome, captured the hearts of the Parkhead faithful when Hoops hero Georgios Samaras picked him up and carried him round the pitch as the team celebrated their league title in 2014.

The 12-year-old is an ambassador for the Glasgow giants and has met a host of stars including Paolo Nutini and Lionel Messi.

Speaking today about the meeting, Jay’s dad Martin, said: “That’s the only way we can get him interested in French. His French was a total disaster.

“But when he realised Dembele was French, he was keen to learn it.

“He loves all the players but obviously Dembele is doing really well just now.”

The meeting marked a busy week for Jay, who met Celtic legend Neil Lennon and current manager, Brendan Rodgers, at the match against St. Johnstone a few days earlier.

The video of his meeting with Lennon, who is now manager of Hibs, shows Jay greet him and as he says: “Hi there Neil.”

Lennon asks him how he is and gives him a hug before Jay tells him: “I love you,” and asks how Hibs is going?”

The former midfielder responds to tell him he loves him too and that “Hibs is going alright, not too bad.”

The meeting with Rodgers goes similarly well, with the pair embracing and Jay declaring his love for him before the Hoops’ boss says: “I love you too, I love all Celtic supporters.”

Jay wasn’t far off with his prediction for Dembele’s goal tally against Inverness, as the Frenchman bagged his second hat-trick in two games to score three of his side’s goals in the 6-0 Scottish Cup demolition.

Neil Lennon’s Hibs side currently sit top of the Scottish Championship whilst Brendan Rodgers is looking for his Celtic side to go the whole domestic season unbeaten and complete a clean sweep of trophies.